Best Inflatable Kayak In 2018 For Traveling & Fishing Adventure

Kayaking is a sport that has growing popularity. It is because some people find that the sport is a way of burning some extra calories and thus keep them in shape. Others just want to be out on the water and enjoy scenic nature. Whatever the purpose, inflatable kayaks can be used for so many different fresh or saltwater activities. With constant improvements on the product, extensive research is required to find the best inflatable kayak. Before starting our quest of selecting the best inflatable kayak, first we need to discuss a few basic features of an inflatable kayak and what are the types of them are available.

Inflatable kayaks are lightweight, foldable and can easily put into the boot of your car. There is no need to buy a roof rack to carry it. This a great advancement of the kayak in terms of portability and storage. Although they are inflatable, these kayaks are made to incredibly durable and can withstand conditions that could result to puncture or tear the kayak. Many of them come with a hull that is able to combat any bumps, scrapes or submerged rocks and retain shapes without becoming damaged. They are also easy to maneuverer unlike other kayak types, and they can hold one to three paddlers comfortably. It is no surprise that with so many advancements regarding features, there are many different types of an inflatable kayak.

The main three types are self-baiting inflatable kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, and sit-in kayaks. Self-baiting inflatable kayaks are more commonly used for whitewater kayaking. Sit-on-top kayaks feature open and freeing design and best for those that may find hard to get in and out of other types of the kayak. A sit-in kayak retains traditional design that you typically see with a kayak which means that you will be sitting or the act of assuming a certain position inside of an enclosed cockpit. The sit-in Kayak is best for use in cooler climates, and you can also add a spray skirt to help with any excess wind or water. So, with so many best inflatable kayaks, how would you find the best product?

How Do We Pick The Best Inflatable Kayak?

Picking the best inflatable kayak is not complicated despite the availability of different types of kayaks which packed with so many features. You need to look for three important factors first to select the best products. Then there are a few minor criteria. These three important features are durability, storing and portability and way of kayaking that is either solo or in tandem.

Our first important criterion is durability or longevity. While you may happily buy an inflatable kayak even not spending $100, but this kayak become useless with a minor puncture and may be unrepairable. So whatever you spent $70 or $80, will simply drain out. Instead buy an inflatable kayak with $300-$400 that is made with a durable PVC, Hypalon or Nitrylon outer shell. This will ensure that you will be able to use your kayak for many more years though the price of it is little costly.

The second deciding factor is ease of storing and transporting. The kayak should be lightweight and easily foldable. So, it can pack small enough to fit in a car, duffel bag or even an overhead carry-on. Instead, if you end of buying a heavier product, how would you carry it to your favorite lake or pond?

The third and our final important point is what kind of kayaking will you be doing. Kayaking can be done in solo or in tandem. Solo kayaks are great for a whole host of activities and are generally better to maneuver with and handle well on whitewater rapids. On the other hand, tandem kayaks are better for fishing or whitewater rafting and provide a more comfortable and social experience. So, your best inflatable kayak should be compatible with your way of kayaking.

Other two not so important factors are inflation time and type of water you will be kayaking in. Inflation time is not a big deal because most kayaks can be inflated in 10 minutes. But the type of water has more importance. Some kayaks paddle best in whitewater while others are only suitable for slow river water.

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak

The AdvancedFrame kayak is a composite of mixed origin of a folding frame kayak and an inflatable kayak. The kayak utilizes built-in aluminum ribs in the bow and stern. It slices through water like knife and challenges hard-shell kayaks in terms of trackability. The hybrid kayak has a high tracking performance as the stern acts as a skeg. It features 3 layers of material to deliver extreme puncture resistance and durability and has many high-end components.

The kayaks come with plenty of onboard storage room for extended trips. The product is pre-assembled at the factory. Simply unfold, inflate, attach the seat and hit the water in minutes. The kayak’s adjustable padded seat provides comfort for hours of paddling. Although it is a portable, inflatable kayak, it looks and paddles which is much akin to a rigid-shell kayak. Accessories included with kayak are carrying duffel bag, folding seat, repair kit and owner’s manual.

Specifications

Product Dimensions

20 x 15 x 15 inches

Item Weight

36 pounds

Color

Red

Max Weight

300 Lbs (136 KG)

Folded Size

30 Inches X 17 Inches X 10 Inches

Why We Like It?

Portable

Durable

Easy setup

Comfortable paddling

Easy deflating and storing

Our Remarks

What are the most remarkable things about this hybrid kayak is you can take this anywhere in the world, and no roof rack over your vehicle is required. Simply keep the AdvancedFrame kayaks in the boot of your car and start paddle whenever you want. You can even take it to uncharted territory and paddle where no one has ever paddled before. The kayak is an out of the box product. Inflate it with a foot pump and hit the water in minutes.

Feelfree Lure 10 Kayak

The lure 10 kayak is excellent for shorter trips on rivers and lakes. The kayak is packed with a variety of unique patented comfort features, for example, removable multi-height adjustable gravity seat, wheel in the keel and sturdy molded handles. The kayak comes with the Uni-track system for unlimited outfitting configurations, flush mounted rod holders and a large tank well to store your fishing gear or a cooler.

The kayak’s patent-pending gravity seat offers a wide range of seat heights which is adjustable with a simple function of a lever and is removable. The Feelfree Lure 10 kayak features super-stable 36 inches wide hull which in conjunction with a padded standing platform brings or gives you the option to cast the kayak either in seating or in standing position. The kayak is designed to steer either in inland waters or in wide oceans with no fear of water.

Specifications

Hull Design

Sit-On

Length

10ft

Width

36 Inches

Weight

69lbs

Material

Polyethylene

Number Of Paddlers

1

Weight Capacity

375 Lbs

Why We Like It?

Incredibly stable

Well made

Comfortable

Great for short trip

Available in multiple colors

Our Remarks

The Feelfree lure 10 kayaks are constructed to take your fishing to the next level. Coming with a new level of stability, comfort, and versatility, this compact vessel performs well on shorter trips especially on rivers and lakes. Its unique, removable and multi-level patent pending Gravity seat is the most adjustable kayak seat currently available on the market. The seat has two functionalities. It allows the user to rise to the optimal height for fishing or lower-down for additional stability when paddling long distance.

Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak

The Sevylor Tahiti hunt and the fish kayak are an inflatable kayak made from 21-gauge PVC material is designed for delivering utmost reliability and durability. This inflatable kayak comes with a unique color of dark olive green allowing the kayak to blend with the shoreline. This makes it perfect for hunting and fishing as you surreptitiously sneak into a fishing spot without disturbing surrounding wildlife. The kayak is lightweight with only 19 pounds, yet it can carry 400 pounds of weight. Its double lock valves use two locking points for easy inflation and deflation.

The kayak has adjustable seats with backrests which allow leaning back in comfort. It also includes two spray covers to block splashes to keep you dry while peddling. The Sevylor hunt and fish kayak feature two-air chambers for extra security and a patented Airtight system to prevent any leakage. The double lock valves block accidental air loss. The tubular I-beam flooring provides extra stability to this Sevylor kayak.

However, one drawback of the kayak that needs to mention here is that paddles are not included with the product. Although the model is very stable, lightweight and maneuverable, dimensions of it require the use of specific types of paddles and paddling technique.

Specifications

Product Dimensions

124.8 x 34.8 x 24 inches

Item Weight

19.36 pounds

Color

Olive

Item model number

2000014132

Why We Like It?

Camouflage design

Easy to set up and deflate

Very light to move

Very sturdy and comfortable

Easy to carry

Our Remarks

The Sevylor Tahiti hunt and fish Kayak is perfect for peddling either solo or with a friend in small lakes, ponds and slow-moving rivers. Customers love the kayak because it ensures low visibility while hunting thanks to its camouflage design. Like other inflatable kayaks, it is easy to store and transport. The kayak has a 3-month limited warranty, and a repair kit is included with it.

Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak

The Intex challenger K1 kay comes with a streamlined design for easy paddling. The kayak features bright green color and sporty graphic making it highly visible in the water. It is lightweight and compact, easy to assemble and with the included Boston valve the solo kayak inflates and deflates in minutes. You can take it wherever you go and start fun peddling.

The rugged vinyl constructed sturdy kayak has an inflatable I-beam floor, a low-profile deck and high-buoyancy side chambers for stability, comfort, and function. The kayak has an adjustable, inflatable seat with a backrest and a removable skeg provides a unique directional movement. A grab line at each end is allowed for user convenience, and a cargo net can be used as extra storage. Accessories included with kayak are one 86-inch aluminum paddle and an Intex high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation.

Why We Like It?

Super-fast to inflate and deflate

Safe and sturdy

Sporty graphics for high visibility

Low-profile for lakes and mild rivers

Great stability

Reasonable price

One Person Kayak

Cockpit Designed For Comfort And Space

Inflatable Seat With Backrest

Grab Lines On Both Sides

Cargo Net For Additional Storage

Includes A High Output Hand Operated The Air Pump

Comes With Aluminum Oars

Comes With A Repair Patch

Our Remarks

The Intex challenger K1 is an inflatable kayak which is made of rugged super-tough vinyl. It has high visibility in water thanks to its eye-catching graphic. The kayak measures 30-by-15-by-108 inches (W X H X D). Weighing 27.2 pounds, it can carry maximum 220 pounds of weight. The kayak is actually designed for use in the serene lake and slow-moving rivers. Therefore, taking it to the ocean where strong currents exist is not recommended.

Sevylor Tahiti Classic Inflatable Kayak

Sevylor Tahiti classic is a 2 person inflatable kayak which is made of heavy-duty 26-gauge PVC. The kayak comes with two air chambers for security, and the I-beam construction of the floor enhances its stability. It includes two spray covers for added protection and has an optional directional skeg for maximum control. The kayak features specially designed inflatable seats with comfortable back support for easy paddling.

Measuring 9 feet 7-inch-long by 2 feet 2-inch-wide, it weighs only 4 pounds. It can hold two people of up to 400 pounds. The kayak has the proprietary Airtight mechanism which guarantees that there will not be any lead while Double-lock valves prevent accidental air loss and ensure quick, easy inflation and deflation. One problem with the kayak is its lack of speed. This kayak is noticeably slower compared to an ocean kayak.

Specifications

Product Dimensions

24.5 x 16.5 x 6.5 inches

Item Weight

24.3 pounds

Material

PVC

Item model number

2000003414

Why We Like It?

Unbeatable price

Not cramped

Very good visibility

Very rigid

Incredibly durable

Our Remarks

One of the positive features of the kayak is it is so inexpensive. The kayak can easily be fit into the trunk and incredibly useful for the majority of recreational purposes. Although construction of the kayak is not bad, but do not expect that it will last for a long time. Nevertheless, it is a starter kayak for kids and ideal for traveling.

Final Verdict

So far, we have discussed many things about inflatable kayaks like what is the product used for, various types of the products and along with five great inflatable kayaks of different brands. And also, how to find the best inflatable kayak. Our goal was making you knowledgeable about the product, though not an expert. At this point, we believe that you are confident enough to find you’re the best kayak. However, we do not need to leave you yet. We have a few recommendations in your decision-making process. So, please continue reading.

Some people are devoted to quality. Whatever the price of the product, simply they do not care. Are you one of them? Then Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak is the right product for which cost you around $500 dollar. High-end products in terms of quality and elegant feature are favorite among many customers. They are ready to spend even more than the previous group of people. If that is the actual state of things with you, then Feelfree Lure 10 Kayak with a price tag of $999.00 is waiting for you to pick.

If you are looking for a minimalistic inflatable kayak that will simply do the job and not cost you much then go for Sevylor Tahiti Hunt and Fish Kayak. Our final recommendation is for people who are beginner kayak user with a low budget. For this group of people, we recommend Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak with an only 60-dollar price. Finally, the ultimate decision maker is you. So, buy an inflatable kayak and happy traveling.